Fashion Merchandising & Management, AAS

Developmental Courses (May not be required)

Writing Essentials (ENGL 0700/ACOM 099)

This course is designed to help students develop reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for their success in college. Students will develop competence as writers by writing short summary and response pieces as well as through a review of grammar, usage, sentence structure and vocabulary development. By engaging in learning-to-write and writing-to-learn activities, students will progress towards producing thesis-driven essays to prepare them for their work in English Composition.

Math thru Bus. Apps. (MATH 0510/MFTC 096)

In this course, students will review mathematic functions and basic algebraic operations. Business applications will emphasize the usage of ratio, proportion, and percent. Introductory algebra concepts will include translating verbal expressions into algebraic expressions and solving multi-step linear equations. During the course, students will complete capstone projects to emphasize the usage of mathematics in a real world context including budgeting, currency conversion, and merchandising. MyMathLab, an online interactive software, will be used for homework and quizzes. Mathematics Through Business Applications is the first course in LIM College’s remedial mathematics program. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be promoted to Introduction to Algebra.

Introduction to Algebra (MATH 0710/MFTC 099)

This is a beginning algebra course designed to establish a foundation for algebraic concepts needed in modeling linear and quadratic relationships. The topics to be covered include: properties of integers and real numbers, exponents, solving and graphing linear equations, solving systems of linear equations, polynomials, and factoring.

Semester 1

Module 1

7 Credits

Intro to Fashion Business (FASH 1110)

This course is an introduction to the terminology and fundamentals of the fashion industry and examines the development of merchandise from concept to consumer. Students trace the history of the industry, as well as the contributions of past and present fashion innovators. Emphasis is placed on the importance of the industry in the global marketplace.

Intro to Visual Merch. (VMER 1010)

The philosophies and techniques of merchandise presentation within a retail setting will be introduced and discussed. Students will analyze real store environments and the role of basic elements of design within those environments. Emphasis will be placed on exterior and interior displays and the branding of a store image through the use of color, fixtures, display materials, and lighting. Students will design and execute two- and three-dimensional design projects based on a theme. All projects will be executed with an emphasis on holistic design and a professional organization of work.

College Success for Online Students (LIM 1020)

Module 2

7 Credits

Public Speaking (COMM 1110)

Effective communication is essential to personal, academic, and professional accomplishment. The purpose of this course is to promote a more competent and confident self-presentation by increasing the student’s ability to generate, organize, and present ideas. Public speaking is based on a comprehensive foundation of skills including listening, critical thinking, academic research, audience analysis, and language development, as well as nonverbal dynamics. By learning these skills, students will become more accomplished communicators.

Retailing (FASH 1210)

Retailing is a combination of activities involved in selling products and services directly to the consumer. This course will focus on the history of retailing and various channels of retail that operate both domestically and internationally (brick and mortar, click and mortar, department stores, store is the brand, non-apparel, etc.). The various activities of retailers will be discussed including: establishing an image, merchandise buying and pricing, human resources, store operations, store layout and design, and management information systems. How retailers implement and take Corporate Social Responsibility into account will also be explored. The text will be supplemented with current events and case studies to stimulate critical-thinking skills and to develop a participative classroom environment.

Industry Exp. Seminar (EECM 1801)

The Industry Exploration Seminar is broken into three primary components: seminars, guest lectures, and field trip experiences. Students will focus on understanding the breadth of opportunities available in the fashion and related industries; develop introductory job search skills (including basic interview techniques and resume and cover letter writing) as well as tools for researching the industry, and will begin exploring personal interests and abilities.

Semester 2

Module 1

9 Credits

Marketing (MRKT 1550)

Students are introduced to core marketing activities including market segmentation, market research, consumer behavior, product strategy, pricing, promotion, and distribution. Principles, policies, and practices used by manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers are covered. The factors of consumer behavior and motivation are analyzed to provide an understanding of market planning. The system of distribution of goods from the producer to the consumer will also be discussed.

College Algebra (MATH 1100)

This course establishes a foundation of mathematical modeling. Topics that will be covered include linear, quadratic, power, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Topics are developed in a practical context with applications to business and economic concepts such as profit, revenue, cost, break-even analysis, supply and demand, and depreciation. Systems of equations and inequalities, matrices, and linear programming will also be covered.

English Comp (ENGL 1100)

English Composition is designed to help students further develop skills in writing, reading, and critical thinking. The course emphasizes narrowing a topic, constructing a thesis, organizing an essay, developing an argument, writing analytical responses to readings, and effectively utilizing APA documentation. Students will practice several forms of writing: process (multiple drafts of one paper), timed writings, critique essays, and analysis essays. Critical reading is an essential component of effective writing. In order to develop critical reading and thinking skills, students will read examples of successful writing. The skills students cultivate in this class are applicable to all college courses and to any future writing or research tasks.

Module 2

6 Credits

Business Spreadsheets (TECH 1310)

This course provides a hands-on approach to spreadsheet analysis, performance management, and graphics on the computer. Students learn how to enter data, develop formulas, correct mistakes, use special formula functions, print worksheets, use database features, and combine files and graphics. Upon completion of the course students should have the necessary tools to develop worksheets for such applications as financial planning, budgets, and cost projections.

Management (MNGT 2310)

Students are given a broad overview of business organizations and types of ownership and are introduced to the primary functions of management, which include planning, organizing, staffing, directing, and controlling. Dynamic forces impacting the general business environment are studied, as well as the roles of various stakeholders who are affected by a specific company’s performance. The importance of the strategic role of the manager is studied, with particular emphasis on ethical decision-making, leadership, motivation, communication, training, and interpersonal relations.

Semester 3

Module 1

6 Credits

Critical Thinking (COMM 2010)

The human community has a legacy of asking questions. Curiosity is the foundation for all advances in science, philosophy, psychology, archaeology, literature, art, history, and commerce. We share in that legacy with our own questioning in our personal and professional lives. In this way, we are natural researchers. The purpose of this course is to take this everyday human trait and expand it to achieve academic and professional success. Through readings, library research, discussions and writing assignments, this course helps students develop the critical thinking skills necessary for research. It includes the ability to read for comprehension of ideas, to write with clarity of purpose, and to research for deepening knowledge. To accomplish this, students will learn how to construct research plans, use library databases, analyze arguments, incorporate the APA style, and develop a distinct critical and creative voice. This is the purpose of academic research - it helps us move from mere opinion to an informed understanding. As educated citizens we must cultivate those skills that enable us to seek information, evaluate sources, reflect on alternatives, and pose a course of action. These essential skills will foster success in college courses and contribute to professional development.

Textiles (FASH 2250)

This course is an introduction to the fabrics commonly used in fashion apparel and home furnishings. Fabrics are studied for their sources of material, construction qualities, and usage. Methods of fiber identification, yarns, fabrics, dyes, printing, and finishing are analyzed for their practical application in both fields. Students utilize a customized fabric swatch book to enable identification of fabrics and methods. Students also research new fabrications and technologies available in the industry.

Module 2

9 Credits

Accounting (ACCT 2700)

This course explores the fundamental concepts of accounting from a user’s perspective. As such, it provides an overview of key topics in both financial and managerial accounting. It stresses the use of accounting reports by managers, investors, creditors, and other business stakeholders. Subject to adjustment to accommodate the learning requirements of the class, topics covered include financial statements, the accounting cycle, accounting for merchandising operations, cost behaviors, break-even analysis, shut-down point, achieving target profit levels, and evaluation of decentralized operations.

Buying & Merch Math (FASH 2560)

This course focuses on the main functions of a buyer and the buyer’s role in maximizing profit. Topics include: how a buyer purchases brand name versus private label merchandise, vendor/resource negotiations, and communicating and presenting the merchandise strategy to the consumer. Students are introduced to all of the factors that buyers need to effect profits. Profit and loss statements, pricing (initial pricing and markdowns), and planning sales are discussed.

Liberal Arts Elective (A&S)

Module 3

2-3 Credits

Module Three spans the entire semester. An elective is completed in Module One or Two.
Students must complete ONE of the following three options:

IE Internship - Retail (EECM 1802)

The Industry Exploration Internship: Retail is an opportunity for students to develop a deeper understanding of the fashion industry through an applied learning experience in a retail setting. The primary focus of this internship is to provide students the opportunity to see how the fashion industry works at the point where the brand meets the customer. Students will be required to complete a total of 130 hours at the internship site and should therefore expect to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to this internship. The classroom component of this course consists of reflective sessions to discuss internship progress. At the end of their internship, students will participate in an exit interview process and submit a written summary of their experience outlining how they gained deeper insight into the fashion industry.

IE Internship - Corp (EECM 1803)

Since many students come to LIM College with significant retail experience, Industry Exploration Internship: Corporate, provides an opportunity to explore the nature of the fashion industry from a different angle. This course is open through application only via the Department of Experiential Education and Career Management (EECM). To qualify for WORK 125, students must have a minimum of 24 credits completed on their LIM College transcript, and show that they have gained at least one year of recent and significant experience working in a retail setting. Additionally, they must submit a dossier which will include a written letter of recommendation from their most recent supervisor describing their duties and responsibilities. Students will be expected to complete a corporate internship in an area they wish to explore to expand their knowledge of the fashion/business industry. Students will be required to complete a total of 130 hours at the internship site and should therefore expect to dedicate approximately 10-15 hours per week to this internship. The classroom component of this course consists of reflective sessions to discuss internship progress. At the end of their internship, students will participate in an exit interview process and submit a written summary of their experience outlining how they gained deeper insight into the fashion industry.

Flexible Elective

Semester 4

Module 1

9 Credits

Liberal Arts Elective (A&S)

Economics (ECON 2100)

This course helps students understand economic news and the market economy by reviewing the forces that influence it in America. Areas discussed include: the business cycle, business enterprises as profit seekers, consumer supply and demand, the Federal Reserve and money supply, the stock market, economic measures (GNP, unemployment, wholesale and consumer price indexes), inflation, investment, balance of payments, value of the dollar, taxes and the role of government, and international economic interdependence.

Retail Human Resources (MNGT)

Module 2

6 Credits

Flexible Elective

Professional Comm (COMM 2710)

Effective communication is necessary for professional success. Business leaders consistently report that communication is an essential skill in the workplace. The purpose of this course is to develop and strengthen students’ written and oral communication skills for practical applications in professional contexts. Students gain knowledge of concepts in organizational communication and group communication, learn and practice business writing tasks, make informal and formal presentations, and learn strategies for handling day-to-day challenges in the workplace. Students also self-reflect on issues of personal identity and professional ambition, with the goal of seeing how their values and characters apply to their career paths. Through individual assignments and a major group project, students demonstrate their competence in professional communication. Together, these efforts provide a valuable foundation for professional accomplishment in the global marketplace.

NOTE:

All students will be required to take Industry Exploration Seminar EECM 1801.

If you have no prior retail experience or do not meet the qualifications listed below you will be required to complete Industry Exploration Internship EECM 1802 prior to graduation from the AAS degree program.

If you have 24+ credits and 1,000 hours of retail experience within the past five years (hours can be spread over 0-5 years) you have two options: take EECM 1803 Corporate or replace the credits with an additional course.

If you have 2,000 hours of retail experience within the past five years (hours can be spread over 0-5 years) and less than 24 credits you would replace the credits with an additional course and would not be eligible to take EECM 1803 Corporate until you achieve 24+ credits.

Verifiable proof of the retail experience will be required, two of the following: a letter from employer, W2, pay stub, resume. (This process has been slightly changed for individuals that say they own a company. Proof, such as a Tax ID number, the website of a company, etc., will be considered)